Asst Editor:
Cristina Cabrera

Contributing Reporter:
Georgia DeGroat

Public Relations:
Sandy Waples
 

RIVERSIDE CLIENTS TRAVEL TO THE CALIFORNIA NETWORK OF MENTAL HEALTH CLIENTS REGIONAL MEETING IN ORANGE COUNTY JUNE l9th 2OO4

For many of you who don’t know, there is a state recognized client organization, the California Network of Mental Health Clients, alias The Network, that is similar to NAMI or DBSA. Except, you must to be a client to join. However, as family member or state person, you can join as a ‘friend of the Network’ and keep your pulse on what clients are doing and how they feel about California’s services and needs, as well as what is going on in the State Regionally, and Statewide, but not participate in the same manner. Some clients are family members as well, and both are involved on their local Mental Health Boards & Commissions, including other organizations like NAMI and the Depressive and Bi-Polar Alliance.

The Network is at the table on Statewide Committees, the State Mental Health Department. The Network has helped developed the Managed Care Plan so that all parties are involved, including constituents that access and receive services.

During the years of transition into Managed Care, continuous Quality Improvement of the plan was done with the contribution of clients, as well as the other groups at the state level.    [Cont. on Pg 7]
 

JoAnn feels that her own experience with mental illness has given her insight and has led her to this point in her life where she can help others. JoAnn was first diagnosed with manic depression in the early 1960’s (the same year JFK was killed). She had already accomplished a great deal up to that point. She grew up in Lansing, Michigan and at a young age, she discovered her love for music. She began taking piano lessons at age five and enjoyed singing for as long as she can remember. In jr. high, she sang in a girl’s trio.

She went on to college and earned her teaching degree. She married and had a daughter. Her first marriage, however, did not last. Nevertheless, her love for music was constant. JoAnn was teaching music in a blind school when her depression was diagnosed. She remembers being very depressed and then being manic all summer.

At this time, she began her career as a piano player and singer in nightclubs. She began playing at the Elks club in Iowa and realized immediately that she did not want to stay there long. She went to Atlanta, Georgia, got an agent and played there for three years. When her depression got worse, she went back to her hometown of Lansing, Michigan and stayed with her folks. She was hospitalized for the 2nd time in her life – both were about five week stays. She did not stay with her folks for too long though, because she felt she should be on her own. It was 1972 and she began performing again at the Holiday Inn.

She moved to Detroit and had some really nice singing jobs from 1973 to 1986. She enjoyed this time in her life very much. In her pictures, she looked like a model.
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